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Star rating: Heat rating:

Jayden Valdez is an overachieving intellectual. Mike McGinnes is Franklin High School’s dumbest jock. Even though they barely know each other, she finds his personality repulsive and he thinks she’s got a giant stick up her you know what.

Mike and Jayden are surprised and annoyed when their teacher pairs them together for Spanish tutoring. Both feel it’s a complete waste of time, since nobody could learn from a person who bugs the crap out of them. Not to mention that their reputations might be ruined if people realize what they’re doing.

But it doesn’t take long for Jayden to discover that Mike has a secret—he isn’t the person he appears to be. Much to her dismay, Jayden finds 'Secret Mike' strangely attractive. And for some crazy reason, Mike is amused by Jayden’s clever insults and witty banter. Suddenly, they have a much bigger problem than their mutual disdain. What started as irritating tension is beginning to feel more like romantic tension and acting on it would be a very bad idea.

Content Description: This is a stand-alone YA contemporary romance with companion novels. While part of a series, each book can be enjoyed independently. It contains minor language, innuendo, crude humor, kissing, and conversations that mention sex. There are no sexual relationships, written or implied, and there's no explicit language. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

My review

Two hate-to-love stories in a row! I do love this trope.

Ok, I completely forgot the blurb when I picked this book up. I could remember it was a HTL about two high school students paired up for class who are complete opposites, but I forgot that the female character’s name was Jayden. Because the only Jaydens I’ve ever known have been guys… So I read the first few pages thinking Jayden was the guy. To be fair, I did originally read the first couple lines of the blurb thinking this might be a gay romance, until I got to “she finds his personality repulsive” and had to figure out which boy name referred to a girl.

So. First impressions? Jayden really does have a stick up her butt at first. Seriously. I admired her dedication to doing well in school, sure, but she was pretty judgmental and rude. I would have told her to chill out. And Mike? Well, Mike loved his slang, maybe too much, and it was a little awkward to read at first. I kept wondering if people actually talked like him in real life. Because man, I felt old. I could understand what he was saying – I’m not that old, and Twitter yo – but it was just…weird. So yeah, these two definitely came across as opposites.

EXCEPT. Surprise surprise. Mike’s whole slang thing? AN ACT. So before you guys read the first chapter thinking WTF and give up on him, just wait until you find out what he’s really like. And then you will have a blast reading him messing with Jayden. It was so much fun. And, I mean, she sort of deserved it. He was never mean about it, more teasing, and it made her check herself…eventually. Their interactions were always filled with such delightful banter, and I loved it.

Other things I loved? The various side characters and how the couples from previous books were so cute together. The twins, who would probably drive me crazy in real life but brought out the best in Mike. (I do love a man who can take care of things and is good with children, what can I say?) The friendship between Jayden and Becca. Well, just Becca, honestly. That girl is awesome.

Oh guys, I read this whole thing with a dopey grin on my face. It was funny and adorable and made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Happy sigh.

Rating breakdown

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Excerpt

Jayden’s glare intensified, and I could tell she was sending me mental death threats. Eventually, she gave up and sat down across from me. “Was that so hard?” I asked.

“About as hard as you head.”

“I have harder parts than my head,” I countered. Her eyes grew wide at the implication. I let her stew for a second before lifting my sleeve and flexing my bicep. “You think that’s hard? You should see my abs.” I’d said it as a joke, but it was basically true.

She was surprised for the briefest moment, then she grunted. “How Cro-Magnon of you.”

“Your grunt suggests you’re familiar with the genotype on a personal level.” I smirked.

I tsked in good nature. “Your face might be prettier than mine, but your manners prove you haven’t evolved as much as you think.”

About Robin Daniels

Robin Daniels is a sixteen-year-old trapped in a middle-aged body. She’s married to an amazing guy and has five cute but crazy kids. When she’s not chasing children or writing books, she’s coaching volleyball or working on her blog. She tries to read as much as possible, especially when she has housework to do. Robin’s favorites include napping, dessert, pedicures, Christmas, Arizona winters, and Diet Coke.

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0: Couldn't finish1: Want my precious reading hours back2: Could have done without it3: It was good, but it's not an essential read4: Really liked it and glad I picked it up5: Absolutely loved it and would read again

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